My favorite heroes of 2010...so far

I know that it's a little early for "best of the year" lists, but 2010 has been such a great year for heroes, and, DIK is all about the heroes, isn't it?

I compiled a pretty healthy list for the year. Initially, the list was pretty long, but I've been able to whittle it down to my top 5. *wipes brow*

Here goes:

1. William from Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

I could go on and on about the awesomeness that is William, but at the risk of repeating myself in my review of the book, William is the total package:




Alpha shifter who can kick ass and take names? Check.
Tragic past that he’s dealing with? Check.
An admiration for strong heroines who can kick ass and take names? Check.




Truly, it's the combination of vulnerability and alpha male that gets me every time.

2. Terrible from the Chess Putnam series by Stacia Kane




Terrible's love for Chess is totally compelling. He is tough, and feared by all. Yet, Chess, brings him to his knees.




Over the course of the series, the reader (through Chess' eyes) sees beyond Terrible's 'ugliness' and into the man beneath the surface. His relationship with her isn't easy, or even comfortable reading, but the payoff is soooo worth it.




I can not wait until the next book to read more about Terrible!




3. Nick from The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan




Nick is one of those characters that, whenever he enters the scene, it completely belongs to him.




He's a really uncomfortable guy to read about. He's angry, he's violent, and he's more than a little sociopathic. But, his relationship with his brother, Alan, reveals that there's more to him than meets the eye.




I've got a confession to make about Nick: while I know that it's a hopeless wish, whenever he's in a scene with Mae's brother, Jamie, I totally root for them to wind up together. They have the best chemistry together, and their dialog/banter is great reading.




4. Javier from Lord of the White Hell, books 1 & 2 by Ginn Hale

Javier, on first glance is a rakehell, who leads the aptly named Hellions with arrogance and wit. Yet, his outrageous behavior hides a young man who is damned. Literally.

As the vessel for the White Hell, even Javier's friends are afraid to enter his rooms or get too close to him. That is, until Kiram, also an outsider, shares his room, his life, and wins his heart.




Javier has a lot to overcome in The Lord of the White Hell. Not only does he live under a curse, but he must hide his love for Kiram while trying to find a way to protect him from a mysterious supernatural threat.




5. Curran from the Kate Daniels series, by Ilona Andrews




While Curran has been around for a while (and one of my favorite heroes for the last couple of years), he really comes into his own in 2010's Magic Bleeds.




Ilona Andrews has taken her time developing the relationship between Kate and Curran, and with Magic Bleeds, their courtship --if that's what you can call the mayhem that takes place --is nothing if not unique.




Curran truly is the King of Beasts, and Kate is a perfect match for his over the top personality. His need to take care of his people and his love for Kate make him truly a favorite hero of mine.

Of course, I've still got 5 weeks left in 2010, so there's every possibility I may add a couple more to my list. At least, I hope so. ;-)

What are your heroes in 2010?

Come on back tomorrow and visit me on my second day here on the Island!
Also, be sure to visit me at my place, Renee's Book Addiction.